Secretary Alexi Giannoulias
Not Everyone Will Need a REAL ID Before May 7 as Enforcement Begins
In the midst of confusion and misinformation about REAL ID, particularly among the state’s diverse ethnic communities, Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias wants Illinoisans to get the facts about REAL IDs.
The Secretary of State’s office is proactively raising awareness about REAL IDs through its multilingual portal, realid.ilsos.gov, which translates information into dozens of languages to ensure every Illinoisan has the facts they need.
The portal makes it easy for Illinoisans to determine: 1) if they need a REAL ID before the May 7 federal enforcement period begins; and 2) how to find a walk-in location or schedule an appointment near them.
The office has also issued a one-page fact sheet in multiple languages that addresses common questions immigrants have concerning REAL IDs.
Most important, REAL IDs are not mandatory for driving a vehicle or required for valid identification or proof of citizenship.
The primary reason for Illinoisans over the age of 18 to obtain a REAL ID is to fly domestically on a commercial aircraft or visit certain federal facilities, such as a military base or federal courthouse, as of May 7th. Individuals who have a valid U.S. passport, a passport issued by another country or a permanent resident card – and those under the age of 18 – will not need a REAL ID.
“Most Illinoisans do not need a REAL ID before May 7 and they can still get one after that date. We’re monitoring REAL ID demand and adjusting our services to efficiently accommodate the unprecedented REAL ID demand caused by confusion surrounding the federal guidelines,” Giannoulias said. “Before visiting a DMV, I urge you to confirm that you actually need a REAL ID.”
Giannoulias also noted that Illinoisans can avoid the lines by holding off on getting a REAL ID until AFTER the May 7 enforcement period begins.
To meet the demand, the Secretary of State’s office has expanded service across Illinois with a new REAL ID Supercenter in Chicago’s Loop and the REAL ID Saturdays program offering weekend hours statewide through May 10. Visit realid.ilsos.gov to learn more.
Individuals applying for a REAL ID must do so in-person at an Illinois DMV and are required to present:
1. A U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, Naturalization Certificate, Report of Birth Abroad or a Certificate of Citizenship. If you are not a U.S. citizen, an employment authorization document, a permanent resident card or a foreign passport with an approved I-94 form is also acceptable. If you’ve changed your name, you’ll need to provide name change documents.
2. Proof of a full Social Security number (SSN). Examples include: a Social Security card, a W-2 or a pay stub with your full SSN.
3. Two current residency documents that list your full name. Examples include a utility bill, rental agreement, deed/title or a bank statement.
4. Proof of your signature. Examples include: a signed credit or debit card, canceled check, or current state driver’s license or state ID.
Illinois residents can go online to access an interactive checklist to make sure they have the documents they need before heading to a DMV.